With local recycling programs in jeopardy all over the nation, Ark City and Winfield work together to try to save theirs

The cities of Arkansas City and Winfield are working together to save their cooperative recycling program after notification of a large rate increase.

The cities were notified Feb. 28 by Waste Connections that their recycling rates were going up substantially, effective March 1. Due to the timing of the notice, the 2019 budgets did not account for this.

Currently, the cities are paid $21 per ton of recyclable materials. This is part of a 60-percent rebate program through the OBM Chicago Midwest Stock Market. But Waste Connections now will charge the cities $120 per ton of recyclable materials — an effective increase of $141 per ton with the loss of rebate.

In addition, the current hauling rate of $408 per haul will be increased to $475 per haul. This charge is incurred an average of eight times per month, according to the City of Winfield’s hauling statistics.

Using estimates from 2018 total year tonnage, which was 1,009 tons of recycling between the two cities, the cities’ staff estimated their annual total cost of recycling could increase by nearly $150,000.

Both cities are committed to working together to find a solution to maintain their popular recycling programs, but this will include having to look into a rate increase to cover the cost of recycling services.

“Unfortunately, we found that our situation is not unique,” said Nick Hernandez, city manager of Arkansas City. “Municipalities all over our region and the country are dealing with the same situation.”